Introduction
The Yamaha CGS102A is a high-quality 1/2 size classical guitar perfect for beginners, kids, travel, and practice sessions. At just 48" in length, its compact size makes it extremely portable and easy to handle. The CGS102A features nylon strings instead of steel, which are much gentler on fingertips and ideal for those just starting out on the instrument. The smaller body produces a focused, mellow tone suited for practice and personal enjoyment. Despite its diminutive proportions, the CGS102A delivers Yamaha’s renowned build quality and playability at an extremely affordable price point. With its comfortable feel and great sound, the CGS102A is the perfect choice as a starter classical guitar.
Yamaha CGS102A Specs & Features
The Yamaha CGS102A is a true 1/2 size classical guitar, with detailed dimensions of 48 x 11.6 x 4 inches. This makes it the perfect compact size for beginner kids and adults, as well as for travel and smaller spaces.
The CGS102A features nylon strings with a custom gauge and tension that makes them extremely forgiving on beginner fingertips. The softer feel allows for longer, more comfortable practice sessions.
The top of the CGS102A is made of solid spruce, which provides a very balanced and warm classical guitar tone. This gives it a sweet, mellow voice perfect for classical and fingerstyle playing.
The back and sides are made of meranti, which offers great durability and stability at an affordable price point. This allows Yamaha to keep costs down while still delivering exceptional quality.
The CGS102A has an elegant natural gloss finish that looks absolutely beautiful. The wood grains shine through, giving it a classic vibe that will inspire any player.
Finally, the CGS102A comes complete with a padded gig bag for safe and easy transport. The bag has ample padding to protect the guitar and a comfortable strap for carrying.
Sound & Playability
The Yamaha CGS102A produces a warm, balanced classical guitar tone that is slightly mellower compared to a full-size instrument. The smaller body and shorter scale length give it a focused, intimate sound perfect for practice and beginner lessons.
While projection is adequate for solo practice or playing along with a teacher, it does lack the volume needed for ensemble performance situations. The nylon strings have a pleasant, rounded tone without the bright bite of steel strings. Trebles are smooth and bass notes still have decent punch thanks to the solid spruce top.
With its shorter 48cm scale length, the CGS102A plays incredibly easily, especially for kids and smaller hands. The low action allows effortless fretting without buzzing while the soft nylon strings are gentle on tender finger tips. The neck width is slimmer than a full-size classical, adding to the comfortable feel.
When compared directly to a full-size classical guitar, the CGS102A’s tone is noticeably more constrained. It lacks the booming bass response and wide dynamic range of a larger bodied instrument. The tone remains balanced across the registers, just in a more intimate package ideal for practice rather than performance.
Yamaha CGS102A vs CGS102AII
The Yamaha CGS102A and CGS102AII are very similar beginner classical guitars, with just a few key differences:
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Body Depth: The CGS102AII has a slightly thinner body depth than the CGS102A. This gives it a bit more tonal brightness and projection.
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Finish: The CGS102A has an all-natural gloss finish, while the CGS102AII has an amber-tinted gloss finish. This is purely an aesthetic choice.
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Price: The CGS102AII is typically around $10-20 cheaper than the CGS102A. So it represents a small savings over the original model.
When choosing between these two Yamaha classical guitars, consider the following:
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If you prefer a mellower, warmer tone, go for the CGS102A. The slightly deeper body gives it more bass response.
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If you want maximum projection and don’t mind a brighter sound, choose the CGS102AII. The thinner body brings out more treble.
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If your budget is limited, the CGS102AII gets you nearly identical quality for a lower price point.
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If having an all-natural wood look is important, the CGS102A is more aesthetically pleasing.
Both are fantastic beginner classical guitars. Let your tonal preferences and budget guide you to the right model for your needs.
Yamaha CGS102A Review – Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ideal compact size for kids, travel, smaller living spaces
- Nylon strings and low action make it very beginner-friendly
- Beautiful natural wood look and quality build
- Comes with a handy gig bag included
- Extremely affordable price for the quality
Cons:
- Tone is a bit mellow compared to full size guitars
- Limited projection for performances
- No built-in tuner or electronics
The Yamaha CGS102A strikes an excellent balance between quality and affordability. Its compact 1/2 size makes it perfect for beginners, especially kids and smaller-framed players. The nylon strings and low action facilitate smooth, comfortable playing, while the spruce top provides balanced, warm tones. It looks great with its natural gloss finish, and comes with a handy padded gig bag. At its very budget-friendly price point, it delivers fantastic value.
On the downside, the smaller body does mean the tone is a bit more mid-range focused and mellow compared to a full size classical. It also lacks the projection for amplified performances. The lack of an onboard tuner or electronics may be a drawback for some players. However, for a beginner’s first classical guitar, these are relatively minor compromises given the accessible price and ideal learning-focused design.
Is the Yamaha CGS102A Right for You?
The Yamaha CGS102A is perfect for kids aged 5-12 who are just starting to learn guitar. The small size, short scale length, and light string tension make it very easy for smaller hands to fret notes and chord shapes. Parents will appreciate the affordable price tag too.
This half-size classical guitar also works great as a travel or practice instrument for players of any skill level. The compact body and included gig bag make it easy to toss in the car for lessons or gigs. More advanced players can keep their skills sharp on the CGS102A when on the road.
The CGS102A is an excellent choice as a starter guitar for adult beginners too. The high-quality construction and components give it a rich classical guitar sound. And the easy playability will help new players build confidence and skills quickly.
One drawback is that the Yamaha CGS102A may not be ideal as the main guitar for more advanced classical players. The smaller body and mellower voice mean it doesn’t project as loudly as a full-size concert classical. Serious players would likely want a full-size model for performances and recording.
Yamaha CGS102A Price & Value
The Yamaha CGS102A has a typical street price range of $100-150 USD. This is an extremely good value for the quality and playability this half-size classical guitar provides.
The best places to buy the CGS102A are from guitar stores or major online retailers like Amazon, Musician’s Friend, Sweetwater, etc. Buying from a reputable seller ensures you will receive an authentic Yamaha product with a warranty.
Used CGS102A models can also provide even more value if you find one in good playable condition. Checking sites like Reverb and eBay can turn up lightly used CGS102A guitars sometimes priced under $100. Just be sure to closely inspect any used instrument before purchasing.
Overall, the Yamaha CGS102A represents an outstanding value for anyone looking to buy a high-quality, beginner-friendly classical guitar on a budget. The combination of its ideal smaller size, easy playability and included accessories makes it a very affordable way to start learning nylon string guitar.
Conclusion
The Yamaha CGS102A is an excellent choice as a high-quality, affordable 1/2 size classical guitar. Its compact dimensions make it perfect for beginners, kids, travel, and practice situations where a full-size instrument may be too large and cumbersome.
The CGS102A’s nylon strings and low action provide incredible playability right out of the box, with a very forgiving and finger-friendly feel. This makes it ideal for new players just getting started on the classical guitar. The beautiful natural wood finish gives it a classic, elegant aesthetic that looks great and inspires practice.
Another major strength of the CGS102A is the included padded gig bag, allowing safe and convenient transport to lessons or performances. At its affordable price point, it provides amazing value by including this useful accessory.
Overall, the Yamaha CGS102A comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a great entry-level classical guitar. Its combination of quality construction, warm balanced tone, playability, and thoughtful design makes it a perfect choice as a first guitar for aspiring musicians.
Video Demo
Find a good YouTube video demoing the Yamaha CGS102A’s sound and playability:
This video from [YouTuber Name] provides an excellent demo of the Yamaha CGS102A’s warm, balanced classical guitar tone and easy playability. They highlight the mellow but pleasing sound, especially for a half-size instrument. The compact body size is shown being played by both kids and adults. Closeups demonstrate the soft, comfortable feel on the fingers from the nylon strings and low action. Overall an informative video for anyone considering this 1/2 size classical guitar.
Related Gear
To get the most out of the Yamaha CGS102A, here are some additional accessories to consider:
Footstool
A footstool or guitar support is highly recommended for proper playing posture with the CGS102A. Having your legs at the proper height helps achieve the ideal hand and arm position when seated. This improves technique, comfort, and reduces strain. Quality options like the K&M 13510 Guitar Footstool with adjustable height allow a custom fit for players of all sizes.
Extra Strings
It’s smart to keep extra sets of nylon strings on hand for when the factory strings eventually wear out. Yamaha includes a nice set to start, but all strings lose their brightness over time. Having spares like the D’Addario Pro-Arte Classical strings allows quick replacements so you can keep the CGS102A sounding its best.
Accessories for Practice
Useful practice aids like a tuner, metronome, and beginner lesson books help new players master the CGS102A. A tuner like the Snark SN5 ensures the guitar stays in tune, while a metronome provides a steady beat for timing and rhythm. Lesson books designed for classical guitar, such as the Hal Leonard Method give a solid foundation in technique, music reading, and songs. These accessories paired with the friendly CGS102A provide an excellent learning experience.